Algeria: Some 20 policemen killed in ambush

Published June 18th, 2009 - 10:05 GMT

Armed Islamist ambushed a military convoy in Algeria and killed at least 18 policemen

Armed Islamist ambushed a military convoy in Algeria and killed at least 18 policemen, local sources were quoted as saying by AFP on Thursday. The convoy was on its way to Bordj Bou Arreridj, southeast of Algiers, after escorting Chinese construction workers to a motorway project, when it came under fire on Wednesday evening, the sources said.

Two Algerian newspapers, however, reported 24 dead. One daily, Echourouk, conveyed that the attackers activated two roadside bombs and then opened fire on the gendarmes, killing them and then taking their arms and uniforms.